Heavy equipment does not occupy the establishment and will be directly distributed to each legion by the ordnance field as needed.
Liu Zhiliang said: "There is only one problem now. Due to the huge expansion of the army, there is a serious shortage of grassroots officers. If officers are transferred from the old army, I am afraid it will seriously affect the combat effectiveness of the old army. I would like to ask my elder brother if I can use martial arts. A way to make the brave warriors among the new recruits stand out?"
Yang Peng thought and nodded, "This method is good! It can be expanded a bit. Not only allows each small unit to compete within itself, but also allows the winners of each small unit to compete, and awards different ranks according to their results. This This can also be promoted in the old army. However, the highest official rank can only reach the commander, and above the commander, one must rely on military merit!"
Preparations for the army-wide competition began immediately, and all the lower-level soldiers were eager to try, hoping to stand out in the competition. Yang Peng also adopted Yelu Hanyu's suggestion and placed the competition arena in various cities, and the final competition arena was located in the square in front of the Yanjing Palace. At this time, the martial arts competition between Yan Yun's army swept the entire society. For a time, the discussions in the streets, teahouses and restaurants were almost all about the martial arts competition. All the people who had relatives participating in the competition felt honored. appearance. Many people may not have noticed that under Yang Peng's rule, the literati temperament that was originally very strong in the Song Dynasty has become very weak, but the brave spirit is full of vitality, which is exactly what Chen Xiao wants.
The competition finally kicked off with much anticipation, and the atmosphere was very exciting from the beginning. The first thing the people do after dinner every day is to run to the center of the city to grab a good place to watch the competition. Every night, martial arts arenas across the country are crowded with people, and the winners receive the spotlight and become the so-called stars of the next generation.
When the finals were held in Yanjing, people from many surrounding prefectures and counties rushed to Yanjing. Suddenly, the city of Yanjing was overcrowded. Those who arrived late could not even find a place to stay. Every inn and tavern was already crowded. It was packed with guests. As a result, some smart-minded residents of Yanjing temporarily started an inn business, freeing up their houses and renting them to guests who came to Yanjing to watch the game. The finals of the competition lasted for ten days. Millions of people were immersed in excitement as if they were celebrating a festival. The lively atmosphere simply surpassed the Spring Festival.
A great competition finally came to an end. The warriors who stood out from the competition became well-known heroes. They became officers of their respective armies. The morale of the Yanyun Army was obviously higher than before. Inspired by the great competition, the whole army has set off a craze for martial arts training. After completing the daily routine training of the army, many soldiers take the initiative to add training items to themselves, or practice spear skills, sword skills, or practice strength. This is a tiger and wolf army that is desperately sharpening its claws!
Zuo Mou once lamented: "An army that is so eager for war can only be compared to the iron-blooded army that violently attacked Qin back then!"
The tiger has grown up and it's time to hunt for prey.
Heavy equipment does not occupy the establishment and will be directly distributed to each legion by the ordnance field as needed.
Liu Zhiliang said: "There is only one problem now. Due to the huge expansion of the army, there is a serious shortage of grassroots officers. If officers are transferred from the old army, I am afraid it will seriously affect the combat effectiveness of the old army. I would like to ask my elder brother if I can use martial arts. A way to make the brave warriors among the new recruits stand out?"
Yang Peng thought and nodded, "This method is good! It can be expanded a bit. Not only allows each small unit to compete within itself, but also allows the winners of each small unit to compete, and awards different ranks according to their results. This This can also be promoted in the old army. However, the highest official rank can only reach the commander, and above the commander, one must rely on military merit!"
Preparations for the army-wide competition began immediately, and all the lower-level soldiers were eager to try, hoping to stand out in the competition. Yang Peng also adopted Yelu Hanyu's suggestion and placed the competition arena in various cities, and the final competition arena was located in the square in front of the Yanjing Palace. At this time, the martial arts competition between Yan Yun's army swept the entire society. For a time, the discussions in the streets, teahouses and restaurants were almost all about the martial arts competition. All the people who had relatives participating in the competition felt honored. appearance. Many people may not have noticed that under Chen Xiao's rule, the literati temperament that was originally very strong in the Song Dynasty has become very weak, but the brave spirit is full of vitality, which is exactly what Yang Peng wants.
The competition finally kicked off with much anticipation, and the atmosphere was very exciting from the beginning. The first thing the people do after dinner every day is to run to the center of the city to grab a good place to watch the competition. Every night, martial arts arenas across the country are crowded with people, and the winners receive the spotlight and become the so-called stars of the next generation.
When the finals were held in Yanjing, people from many surrounding prefectures and counties rushed to Yanjing. Suddenly, the city of Yanjing was overcrowded. Those who arrived late could not even find a place to stay. Every inn and tavern was already crowded. It was packed with guests. As a result, some smart-minded residents of Yanjing temporarily started an inn business, freeing up their houses and renting them to guests who came to Yanjing to watch the game. The finals of the competition lasted for ten days. Millions of people were immersed in excitement as if they were celebrating a festival. The lively atmosphere simply surpassed the Spring Festival.
A great competition finally came to an end. The warriors who stood out from the competition became well-known heroes. They became officers of their respective armies. The morale of the Yanyun Army was obviously higher than before. Inspired by the great competition, the whole army has set off a craze for martial arts training. After completing the daily routine training of the army, many soldiers take the initiative to add training items to themselves, or practice spear skills, sword skills, or practice strength. This is a tiger and wolf army that is desperately sharpening its claws!
Zuo Mou once lamented: "An army that is so eager for war can only be compared to the iron-blooded army that violently attacked Qin back then!"
The tiger has grown up and it's time to hunt for prey.
Under the setting sun, a fast horse galloped into Yanjing from the south. Yang Peng received a report from the Jinyi Guards that the Khitan Army and Yedi Guanyin led an army of 400,000 to attack the remnants of the Song Army in Shaanxi.
Han Jinxin said excitedly: "City Lord, the opportunity has come!" Yang Peng immediately sent out fast horses to summon generals from all over the country.
A few days later, more than a dozen generals gathered in Yanjing, and everyone felt that King Yan would definitely make a big move.
Yang Peng said: "Ye Guanyin led an army of 400,000 to attack the Shaanxi brothers. The places such as Monk Yuan and Xianren Pass guarded by the Song brothers can be said to be the last fortresses of the imperial court in Shaanxi. At the same time, the Khitan Empress Dowager Xiao is also preparing to go south, We regained Jizhou and Jingxingguan again."
The generals were very excited and cheered. Duan Zhixian said loudly: "It should have been like this a long time ago! This time, the yesterday family will not stay in their hometown! Some time ago, they stayed in the rear all day long, watching helplessly as the brothers killed the enemy and made meritorious deeds. It was really a lot. How depressing it is to be depressed, this time the yesterday family is going to the front line to kill people!"
Everyone laughed. Han Jinxin thought: "Judging from the current situation, sending 200,000 troops should be able to achieve the goal!"
Yang Peng said: "I mean, except for the troops who stayed behind Yanyun, all the troops will go out to fight!" Everyone was shocked when they heard this. Duan Zhixian couldn't help shouting: "Hey, don't we have to dispatch 560,000 troops?" Horse!?" Yang Peng nodded, "The first, second, and third legions and naval officers guard Yanyun. Liu Zhiliang is the governor of Yanyun and is in charge of Yanyun's defense affairs. When I am away, Liu Zhiliang can I have to decide anything at the last moment! Except for the First Army, the Second Army, the Third Army and the navy, all the other armies will follow me south to regain Hebei!" All the generals stood up and agreed together.
Yang Peng then made specific arrangements. Han Jinxin joined the army for grain and grass and was responsible for the transportation and deployment of all grain and grass baggage; Han Bing was the commander-in-chief of the West Road, leading Li Tian's 7th Army, Zhong Min's 8th Army, Chen Jie's 9th Army, and assisting in the defense of Zhending Mansion. The 30,000 soldiers of the legion directly under the Yan Palace, with a total of 210,000 soldiers and horses, attacked the 100,000 Liao army garrisoned in Jingxing, striving for total annihilation; Duan Zhixian, the commander-in-chief of the middle army, led the fifth and sixth armies. A total of 120,000 soldiers and horses left Shenzhou, attacked Jizhou, and marched directly to Zhejin Prefecture. The East Route Army was personally commanded by Yang Peng, including 170,000 soldiers and horses of the direct legion and 60,000 soldiers and horses of the Fourth Army, a total of 23 Ten thousand troops passed through Binzhou, captured Zhejin Mansion, and then carried out a large detour to seize Yingtian Mansion from the east. If the entire strategic plan can be implemented smoothly, then the entire Hebei, that is, the former Jingdong East Road, Jingxi West Road, and the entire Hebei East Road will all be captured by Yan Yunjun.
However, this plan is obviously not going to be smooth sailing. Yan Yun's army first had to face Liu Qiang's one million Han army. In addition, there were also Da Lan and Gan Buli's 300,000 Khitan troops. It was difficult to predict whether this battle would develop as Yang Peng hoped. However, war cannot be without risks. The war drums are beating and the arrows are already on the strings. No matter how great the obstacles are ahead, the Yanyun Army must overcome all obstacles and strive for the final victory! Victory belongs to the brave!
The order has been issued, and Yanyun's army began the largest campaign since its formation. Cavalry, infantry, and baggage materials were mobilized southward day and night. The people of Yanyun felt an unusual atmosphere, and were nervous and looking forward to the upcoming war.
His eyes turned to the capital of Liao Kingdom.
Empress Dowager Xiao was looking at a letter that had just been urgently delivered from Qibaili. After seeing it, he smiled and said to Prime Minister Xiao Tianzuo: "Guanyin is still opposing our war plan at this time!" Xiao Tianzuo said with a smile: "The princess's concerns are not unreasonable! Yang Peng is afraid It really won’t be in vain.”
Empress Dowager Xiao smiled coldly, "What can they do if they can achieve something? What can the Han people do with a million-strong army and an inseparable and lazy 300,000 soldiers and horses?" Xiao Tianzuo thought deeply.
While Empress Dowager Xiao and Xiao Tianzuo were talking, a 500-strong secret guard special force had sneaked into Jizhou City and killed the Khitan soldiers guarding the city gate. Immediately, the gate opened, and Duan Zhixian, who was wearing heavy armor, took the lead and led a wave of 120,000 troops from the fifth and sixth legions to pour into the city. The Liao defenders Cha Hua and Lu Cheng hurriedly led their troops to resist, but the city had fallen. The hastily assembled soldiers and horses were no match for Yan Yun's tiger and wolf divisions, and were slaughtered to pieces by Yan Yun's army. Corpses clog the streets. Both Chahua and Lu Cheng died in the rebel army, and the remaining defeated generals fled south in haste.
Duan Zhixian captured Jizhou, and immediately ordered Huyan Chijin, commander of the left army of the Fifth Army, to lead 5,000 infantry troops to guard Jizhou, while he and his generals led the army to continue southward. One day later, the army arrived at the city of Enzhou. The magistrate of Enzhou, named Zhang Xiaojian, suddenly saw the two-winged flying tiger flag covering the sky and the sun, and the clanking iron armor covering the earth. He was so frightened that he slumped down on the wall. He came to his senses immediately, turned around and ran away from the back door without saying anything. As soon as he ran away, the defenders and bureaucrats followed suit and abandoned the city and fled. Duan Zhixian conquered Enzhou, the barrier north of Daming Mansion, without fighting.
At the same time, Han Bing led an army of 210,000 out of Zhending Mansion. Thirty thousand war cavalry from three legions were sent around Jingxing to attack Chengtian Army Stronghold, an important pass in the Taihang Mountains, in order to cut off the retreat of Qian Buli's 100,000 Khitan troops. At the same time, the army rushed forward to attack Xiao Qian Buli. When Xiao Qianbuli received the urgent report, the 180,000 troops led by Han Bing were less than 20 miles away from Jingxing. Ganbuli was shocked and quickly sent a team of warriors to scout, and then summoned The generals discuss matters.
Just as the armies on the west and middle routes were advancing in full swing, the main force on the east route led by Yang Peng arrived at the north bank of the old Yellow River and faced the Khitan army on the opposite side. At this moment, there were 20,000 Khitan troops and 100,000 Goryeo troops stationed along the opposite side of the river. Camps and fortresses were densely scattered along the riverside, and dense pickets were placed in many places near the riverbank to resist horses. The enemy had already discovered the arrival of Yanyun's army. Chaotic horn sounds were heard from all the camps and fortresses on the other side. The cavalry and infantry rushed out of the camps and came to the river bank to form defenses.
"Brother, the enemy has discovered us." Cheng Shijie, commander of the Fourth Army Corps, said. At this moment, Chen Jie was immediately on the right side of Yang Peng, while on the left side stood the Kingdom of Zhan Jin, who seemed to be the reincarnation of Guan Yu.
Yang Peng glanced at the other side and said, "Go down with the order and prepare for the bombardment!" The order was immediately given by the herald.
The Jin Army and the Puppet Qi Army, which had already formed their formation on the shore, saw more than a hundred huge black iron pipes rolled out from the Yanyun Army on the other side. They couldn't help but look at each other, wondering what they were.
After a moment, Yang Zhen ran over, clasped his fists excitedly and said, "Your Highness, everything is ready!"
Yang Peng nodded, "Start!"
Ling Zhen responded, ran down, raised his hands and shouted at the top of his lungs: "Everyone, listen! Let's fire a salvo!"
Boom boom boom...! The Khitan Army and the Goryeo Army on the other side were waiting for the Yanyun Army to cross the river, but suddenly they saw flames shooting into the sky on the other side, and the loud noise of the earth shattering shocked them all! Before he could react, more than a hundred solid projectiles roared in. In an instant, only flesh and blood flew everywhere, and some projectiles actually forced a path of flesh and blood through the crowd!
The first salvo ended. The Khitan army and the Goryeo army finally reacted, both looking very panicked, and their originally tight formations became commotion.
Boom boom boom...! The second salvo came again. The Khitan army and the Goryeo army had the previous experience. This time, when they heard the terrifying loud noise of the cannon, they subconsciously turned around and fled for their lives. The bullet rain swept past like a storm, killing and wounding many people. At this time, the defense lines of the Khitan Army and the Goryeo Army had completely collapsed, and both the Khitan Army and the Goryeo Army were desperately running back. We can't blame them for being cowardly. The power of the first cannon salvo in human history was so amazing! The loud noise was like continuous thunder coming from above the head, and its power was ten times more terrifying than the strong wind. It was no longer a power that humans should possess, it was the power of God that only gods can master!
The enemy's front line collapsed, so Yang Peng ordered Si Xingfang to lead 30,000 infantry troops to cross the Yellow River in three directions: upper, middle and lower.
Thirty thousand soldiers and horses began to cross the river on bamboo rafts that had been prepared long ago. It took about an hour for 30,000 infantry troops, including 5,000 Modao troops, to cross the Yellow River under the leadership of Si Xingfang.
At this time, Khitan general Hahun reorganized his troops and came to counterattack. The Khitan and Goryeo troops, numbering over 100,000, rolled in like a wave.
Yan Yunjun's artillery fired again, and the whizzing projectiles passed over Yan Yunjun's heads and fell into the enemy's formation. Huge blood flowers bloomed, and the human body was torn apart like a doll when it was hit by the cannonball.
The Khitan army and the Goryeo army panicked again when they saw that the terrible weapons of Yanyun army were showing off again. General Hahun shouted: "No escape! Those who advance will be heavily rewarded, and those who retreat will be killed together!" All the soldiers felt awe-inspiring, so they had no choice but to bite the bullet and rush towards Yan Yun's army. Anyway, advancing would mean death, and retreating would also lead to death. It was better to fight .
"Array up!" Si Xingfang raised his ax and shouted.
The heavy-shielded spearmen lowered their big shields together with a cry, and three strict shield walls were formed with a loud bang. The crossbowmen at the back raised their crossbows and were ready to go.
An archer fired the arrow first, and the arrow fell into the rolling wave of enemy troops. Immediately, all the archers fired arrows together. The rain of arrows covered the sky and fell into the enemy. There was a loud crackling sound. Many enemy soldiers were shot down, but the enemy's offensive did not weaken at all. The enemy's crossbowmen fired back, and arrows fell into the Yanyun army's position. Many soldiers were hit by arrows and fell to the ground. The injured soldiers were quickly moved to the center of the army's formation.
Si Xingfang saw the enemy's fierce attack and immediately ordered his soldiers to form a circular formation. The square formation immediately transformed into a circular formation, with heavy shields and spearmen outside, forming a protective shell with the shields. The spears stretched out from the gaps in the shields, like a huge hedgehog.
The enemy troops rushed in like a tide, and the entire formation felt a violent tremor. Si Xingfang shouted sternly: "Turn it around!" Thirty thousand soldiers shouted in unison, turning the circle. The rotating circle is the best at offloading force. The incoming wave of enemy troops was divided into two by the rotating circular formation and flowed out from both sides; the solid shell composed of shields withstood most of the enemy's attacks. , while the sharp spears continued to harvest the enemy's lives while spinning, and only people could be seen turning on their backs while flesh and blood flew everywhere.
While the 30,000 Yanyun soldiers were fighting fiercely with the enemy, the Yanyun army's cavalry were crossing the river. At the same time, thousands of soldiers were working hard to build a pontoon bridge. Now the pontoon bridge had crossed the middle stream.
Three thousand formation-breaking cavalry crossed the Yellow River under the leadership of Chen Jie and immediately launched a charge against the enemy's flank. The steel torrent composed of three thousand formation-breaking cavalry rolled up smoke and dust and rushed towards the enemy!
Hahun suddenly saw Yan Yun's formation-breaking cavalry appearing on the battlefield. He was startled and hurriedly sent out five thousand cavalry to fight. Five thousand warriors roared and charged forward. I saw the formation-breaking cavalry slamming into the Khitan army's cavalry, the mace flying, hitting the Khitan soldiers on their backs and flying with blood and flesh, while the Khitan army's scimitar slashed on the heavy armor of the formation-breaking cavalry, which was just a splash. Just a few sparks.
The formation-breaking cavalry overwhelmed the Khitan army's cavalry in an instant, and then hit the waist of the enemy's army with all its strength. It was like giving a giant a hard blow in the waist, and the giant twisted to the other side. The formation-breaking cavalry moved forward inexorably, crushing bones and flesh with their iron hooves, and causing blood to rain all over the sky with their maces. They cut off the enemy in half with one blow!
The Goryeo army retreated first, and the Khitan army was forced to retreat as well.
The iron cavalry broke through the formation and galloped to pursue the defeated army. Si Xingfang led his 30,000 infantry troops to withdraw from the battle formation and launch a full-scale counterattack. The Jin army and the puppet Qi army were killed, leaving corpses strewn across the fields and ditches filled with blood.
Yanyun's army pursued them for more than ten miles and captured the enemy's camp before retreating. The defeated Khitan and Goryeo armies retreated into Binzhou. Harun ordered all the troops to defend to the death, reiterated the company's law, and placed total martial law in the city. At the same time, he sent several scouts out of the city to ask for help.
In the evening of that day, all the Yanyun army crossed the Yellow River and arrived at Binzhou City. However, they did not immediately take advantage of the situation to attack the city, but instead set up a camp outside the city to rest.
Turn your attention to the center. After Duan Zhixian captured Jizhou, he divided into two routes to go south. One way, 80,000 soldiers and horses entered Bo Damingfu City, and the other way, 35,000 soldiers and horses crossed the Yellow River and approached Bozhou. At this time, the main garrison guarding the Daming Mansion area was the Khitan general Da Lan. He had 100,000 Khitan troops and 300,000 Goryeo troops in his hands. Facing Duan Zhixian's 100,000 Yanyun troops, he felt calm. . He couldn't help but feel angry when he saw that Duan Zhixian only had about 100,000 soldiers and horses, and he dared to attack in a big way, so he ordered his troops to guard Bozhou, preparing to concentrate the absolute superior force to annihilate the 80,000 soldiers and horses commanded by Duan Zhixian in the first place. Under the city.
However, just as he was getting ready to take action, an urgent report came from the east: "The Yellow River defense line has been lost. King Yang Peng of Yan has personally commanded more than 200,000 Yanyun troops to cross the Yellow River and approach Binzhou. Binzhou is in danger!"
Da Lan was shocked and quickly canceled the decisive battle plan. He ordered his general Che Du to immediately lead 50,000 Khitan troops and 200,000 Korean troops to help Bingzhou. On the Daming Prefecture side, he changed the original attack plan to a temporary defensive plan. Prepare to wait until Binzhou defeats Yang Peng, and then concentrate on dealing with Yan Yun's army here. Binzhou is on the south bank of the old Yellow River and is an important flank for the defense of Daming Mansion. If it is lost there, not only the whole of Hebei and Shanxi will be in danger, but even the flank and rear direction of Daming Mansion cannot be guaranteed.
Che Du led an army of 250,000 to cross the Yellow River from the south, and then rushed along the south bank of the old Yellow River to aid Binzhou. It is said that soldiers are expensive and fast. Just a few days later, Che Du led an army of 250,000 to Renfeng Town, which is more than a hundred miles west of Bingzhou. The army was exhausted. In view of the upcoming battle with the Yanyun Army, Che Du ordered the army to rest in Renfeng Town to recharge their batteries, and at the same time sent scouts to inquire about the situation in Binzhou.
That night, the Jin Army and the Puppet Qi Army, who had been driving non-stop for several days, fell into a deep sleep, and there was a lot of snoring in the camp. Even the sentries posted by Che Du couldn't help being tired and dozed off one after another. As for Chedu, he was enjoying the two little beauties kidnapped from the road in his big tent.
The breeze gently stirred the treetops. A sentry woke up, and with his sleepy eyes he saw that the shadows of the trees in front of him were all moving this way. The sentry thought he was dreaming, so he rubbed his eyes and looked carefully. Finally, I could see clearly, where was the shadow of the tree? It was clearly an endless army! It seems like it came out of hell! The sentry was startled and was about to scream. At this moment, a black figure suddenly appeared behind him, covered his mouth and nose, blocked his warning sound, and then cut him with a knife. neck! The sentry had only one thought when he was dying: It's over, the enemy is coming!
The sentries around the camp were silently killed by the secret guards. Immediately, one hundred thousand Yanyun troops divided into three groups and suddenly rushed into the enemy camp. The Khitan Army and the Goryeo Army were awakened by the sudden sound of killing. They suddenly saw that all the enemy troops galloping in front of them were enemy troops. Their own army was already in ruins! The Khitan army and the Goryeo army were running around like headless flies, while the Yanyun army was killing everyone they saw. Blood was flying in the camp, screams were heard one after another, and the entire camp was already littered with corpses. All over the place!
Che Du ran out of the big tent with his buttocks naked and ran towards the west under the protection of his own soldiers. After running all night, the next morning, I was relieved to see that Yan Yunjun was not chasing me. Che Du looked at the people following him, and found that there were less than a thousand of them. The entire army of 250,000 was wiped out overnight! ! Che Du did not dare to go back to recover his life, so he took these thousands of people and rushed towards Shaanxi. He planned to seek refuge with Ye Qi Guanyin to save his life.
What happened after all, let’s see what happens next.
